AC electrified lines

Question 1

What is a bi-mode train?

Answer 1

A train that can either provide its own tractive power, or take this from the electrification system on an ac electrified line.

Question 2

Define a dual-voltage train.

Answer 2

A train that can operate on more than one electrification system.

Question 3

What characterizes an electric train?

Answer 3

A train that takes its tractive power from the electrification system on an ac electrified line.

Question 4

What is an emergency switch-off?

Answer 4

A procedure carried out by the electrical control operator (ECO) to immediately switch off the electrical supply when someone is in danger from live overhead line equipment (OLE).

Question 5

What is an overhead line permit?

Answer 5

A permit issued by the nominated person (NP) that states what fixed infrastructure electrical equipment is isolated and earthed for safe work near OLE.

Question 6

What is a self-powered train?

Answer 6

A train that provides its own tractive power.

Question 7

What does sequential tripping refer to?

Answer 7

When consecutive electrical sections along a route trip, usually caused by a fault on a moving train.

Question 8

True or False: You can approach the OLE without a permit if you are unsure whether it is live.

Answer 8

False.

Question 9

What precautions must you take when working near OLE?

Answer 9

Ensure you and anything you are carrying are no nearer than 2.75 metres (9 feet) from live OLE unless specific conditions are met.

Question 10

What should you do if you see anything that could damage the pantographs on your train?

Answer 10

Immediately lower the pantographs and stop the train as soon as possible.

Question 11

List the items that must be reported to the ECO immediately.

Answer 11

• Objects touching the OLE
• Damage to the OLE
• OLE that is smoking or flashing
• Broken along-track conductors
• Damaged automatic power control (APC) track inductors
• A broken or parted rail
• A broken or defective bond.

Question 12

What must you ensure when contacting the ECO?

Answer 12

State your name, job title, employer, line concerned, location, and identification number of the nearest OLE structure.

Question 13

What actions should be taken in case of a lineside fire?

Answer 13

Immediately contact the ECO and report the incident.

Question 14

What is the role of the person in charge of electrical emergency (PICEE)?

Answer 14

To manage the emergency switch-off and communicate with the ECO and emergency services.

Question 15

What is required before you attempt to rescue a person near OLE?

Answer 15

The OLE must be isolated and earthed, and certain safety conditions must be met.

Question 16

What does isolation of the OLE mean?

Answer 16

A section of OLE is isolated but must still be treated as live until an overhead line permit is issued.

Question 17

Who is responsible for issuing an overhead line permit?

Answer 17

The designated person (DP) after ensuring that the OLE has been isolated and earthed.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: A _______ train provides its own tractive power.

Answer 18

[self-powered train]

Question 19

What is the minimum distance you must maintain from live OLE when not working?

Answer 19

2.75 metres (9 feet).

Question 20

Who is responsible for issuing an overhead line permit?

Answer 20

DP

DP stands for Designated Person.

Question 21

What must the NP ensure before handing over an overhead line permit?

Answer 21

The OLE has been isolated and earthed

OLE stands for Overhead Line Equipment.

Question 22

What must be understood before signing the overhead line permit?

Answer 22

• The working limits on the overhead line permit
• Where live equipment is adjacent to, or crosses over, earthed equipment
• The issue of the overhead line permit does not mean that train movements are stopped

Understanding these conditions is critical for safety.

Question 23

What should be done if the overhead line permit is lost?

Answer 23

Immediately tell the NP to arrange for a duplicate permit

A duplicate permit will be endorsed as ‘Duplicate’.

Question 24

What must be ensured when work is suspended or completed?

Answer 24

All personnel and materials are removed from, and are no closer than 2.75 metres from, the OLE

This distance is crucial for safety.

Question 25

What must be done when isolation is needed in the sidings?

Answer 25

Consult Operations Control or the signal box supervisor or signaller ## Footnote Isolation procedures must follow local instructions.

Question 26

What must be recorded when blocking sidings to electric trains?

Answer 26

The numbered message received from the ECO in Part 1 of Form AS ## Footnote ECO stands for Electrical Control Officer.

Question 27

What actions must be taken when the isolation is no longer needed?

Answer 27

* Arrange with the ECO to cancel the isolation * Remove protection applied to the sidings ## Footnote This process ensures the safe return to normal operations.

Question 28

What must a signaller ensure before authorizing movement towards an isolated section?

Answer 28

The approach is protected by a possession limit board (PLB) and three detonators, 20 metres apart ## Footnote This is to ensure safety during the movement of electric trains.

Question 29

What must be done before moving an electric train to a non-electrified line?

Answer 29

Lower all pantographs ## Footnote This procedure prevents damage to the OLE.

Question 30

What are the requirements for a bi-mode train making a wrong-direction movement?

Answer 30

* Keep the APCO equipment isolated * Lower all pantographs before reaching the end of the OLE ## Footnote APCO stands for Automatic Pantograph Control Equipment.

Question 31

What must a driver do if the line light goes out and the ADD has operated?

Answer 31

* Stop the train immediately * Report the incident to the signaller ## Footnote Quick action is necessary to ensure safety.

Question 32

When can a train continue to a suitable location despite the line light going out?

Answer 32

If there is only one pantograph in use and it is on one of the first three vehicles, and other conditions are met ## Footnote Conditions include no unusual movement or noises from the OLE.

Question 33

What must a driver do if they notice damage to the OLE?

Answer 33

Stop the train and report the incident to the signaller ## Footnote This ensures appropriate measures are taken to avoid accidents.

Question 34

What should a driver do if the train cannot proceed due to pantograph damage?

Answer 34

Raise the pantograph to supply electrical power, ensuring no movement occurs ## Footnote This allows for train heating and lighting while waiting for assistance.

Question 35

What must a signaller do if tripping or a loss of line light is reported?

Answer 35

Stop the train involved or arrange for it to be stopped ## Footnote This helps to prevent further incidents.

Question 36

What must be done before leaving the train to check for damage?

Answer 36

Ensure there is no damaged OLE near the exit door ## Footnote Safety is paramount when inspecting for damage.

Question 37

Who is responsible for following the instructions after a report of a defect or tripping of the OLE?

Answer 37

Signaller

Question 38

What must a signaller do if the ECO reports sequential tripping?

Answer 38

Stop the train involved or arrange for this to be done.

Question 39

What should be done if a line light goes out or there is suspected damage to the OLE?

Answer 39

Protect any line that may be affected.

Question 40

What information must the signaller obtain from the driver regarding the incident?

Answer 40

Whether the driver can provide information about the cause without leaving the train.

Question 41

Under what conditions can a driver leave the train to examine for damage?

Answer 41

* It is daylight and visibility is clear * No damage to the OLE has been confirmed

Question 42

What must the signaller do if the driver reports damaged OLE near their exit?

Answer 42

The driver will stay in the train, and the signaller must inform the ECO.

Question 43

What must be agreed upon before switching off the OLE?

Answer 43

The area affected by the emergency switch-off.

Question 44

What should be done if evidence shows something other than a pantograph has contacted the OLE?

Answer 44

Visually examine the OLE immediately behind the train.

Question 45

What must a signaller do if a driver reports a fault on the train?

Answer 45

Resume normal working unless there is damage to a pantograph.

Question 46

What actions should be taken when resuming normal working after a tripping incident?

Answer 46

* Protect affected lines * Understand the lines on which the OLE is to be examined

Question 47

What is a bi-mode train's operation protocol when the driver reports no damage?

Answer 47

Authorize movement if safe and inform the ECO.

Question 48

When must the OLE be examined?

Answer 48

* Following a tripping of the OLE * Examination requested by ECO * Sequential tripping reported * Driver reports ADD operation * Damage reported involving a train * Damage reported without a train

Question 49

How should the OLE be examined if using a train?

Answer 49

Examine from the affected line or an adjacent line.

Question 50

What speed must be maintained when examining the OLE from a train on an adjacent line?

Answer 50

Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h).

Question 51

What must the driver ensure regarding obstructions while coasting under the OLE?

Answer 51

* Obstruction not more than 150 mm (6 inches) below contact wire * Not more than two consecutive droppers have come off * Object more than three OLE structures away from a tunnel or overbridge

Question 52

What should the signaller do if it is found that trains cannot pass through the affected area?

Answer 52

Arrange for the OLE to be examined by OLE personnel.

Question 53

What must be done if no object or defect is found during examination?

Answer 53

* Allow normal working to resume except for specified cases * Instruct drivers to proceed at caution and not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h)

Question 54

What must a responsible person establish upon arriving on site?

Answer 54

Whether trains can run safely through the affected area.

Question 55

What is required before resuming normal working after OLE personnel examination?

Answer 55

Complete examination and confirmation of safety from OLE personnel.

Question 56

What should the driver do if a pantograph is damaged and cannot be used?

Answer 56

Give assurance to the signaller that the damaged pantograph is clear of possible OLE contact.

Question 57

When can a driver move a train with a damaged pantograph?

Answer 57

* OLE has been switched off and authority from OLE personnel is received * Defect has been repaired or made safe * Emergency situation

Question 58

What instructions must a signaller give to the driver for coasting at 20 mph (30 km/h) with pantographs lowered?

Answer 58

* Lower pantographs in time * Ensure pantographs are clear before raising * Obey all signals on the DMI

Question 59

What should a driver do if there is a problem with the OLE?

Answer 59

The driver must lower pantographs in time to ensure the train coasts through the affected area at no more than 20 mph (30 km/h) ## Footnote The driver must also obey all signals or indications on the DMI.

Question 60

What instructions does the signaller give regarding pantographs when there is an OLE problem?

Answer 60

The signaller instructs the driver to lower pantographs and not raise them until all pantographs on the train are clear of the affected area.

Question 61

What are the conditions for using high-speed coasting?

Answer 61

Conditions include: * Authority from a competent person * Line must be clear throughout the affected area * Electric train not planned to stop in the affected area * No high wind conditions * No poor visibility

Question 62

What must a driver do before reaching the 'lower pantograph' sign?

Answer 62

The driver must lower all pantographs before reaching the 'lower pantograph' sign.

Question 63

What speed is allowed when raising pantographs after passing the 'raise pantograph' sign?

Answer 63

Pantographs may be raised at any speed up to 80 mph (130 km/h) or higher if authorized by company instructions.

Question 64

What should a driver do if they see missing or defective high-speed pantograph signs?

Answer 64

The driver must inform the signaller immediately after passing through the affected area.

Question 65

What is the driver required to do if electrical equipment is overheating?

Answer 65

The driver must immediately lower all pantographs and stop the train.

Question 66

What actions must be taken if an electric train is driven off the contact wire?

Answer 66

The incident must be reported to the ECO and the train must not be moved back under the OLE until a competent person has examined the pantographs.

Question 67

What should a signaller do upon discovering a defective APC track inductor?

Answer 67

The signaller must report it to fault control and stop affected trains to instruct drivers to shut off power when passing through the neutral section.

Question 68

What must a driver do when informed about a defective APC track inductor?

Answer 68

The driver must shut off power immediately before entering the neutral section.

Question 69

What action should a signaller take upon discovering a defective APCO balise?

Answer 69

The signaller must report the defect to fault control and stop affected trains to instruct drivers to manually change to self-powered mode.

Question 70

What must a driver ensure when informed about a defective APCO balise?

Answer 70

The driver must ensure to change to self-powered mode at the pantograph lower sign.

Question 71

Fill in the blank: The driver must lower all pantographs on the train and keep the _______ equipment isolated until allowed to raise the pantograph.

Answer 71

APCO

Question 72

True or False: Drivers may raise pantographs at any speed after passing the 'do not raise pantograph' sign.

Answer 72

False

Question 73

Answer 73

1 Catenary wire 6 Structure bond 2 Dropper 7 Insulators 3 Contact wire 8 Mast or structure 4 Headspan wire 9 Structure number plate 5 Cross span wires 10 Along-track conductors

Question 74

Answer 74

1) Lower Pantograph. 2) Raise Pantograph

Question 75

Answer 75

1) Advance lower pantograph 2) Lower pantograph 3) Raise pantograph 4) Do not raise pantograph